London Travel Guide

Ah...London. One of my favorite cities in the world. If you are fortunate enough to be planning a trip there, I highly recommend checking out some of the places in my guide!

General Information

Transportation Options

1. The Tube (Underground): The tube, also called the underground, is a subway system that runs throughout London. This is generally the fastest and most efficient way to get around. You will need to get an Oyster card from a Tube station and load money on it before you are able to ride the Tube or the Bus. You can get these from virtually any tube station at a Kiosk or from a tfl window (there are not always people manning the windows so you may need to use the kiosk). Ask one of the station employees if you're unsure how to work them.

2. Bus: The bus is another option for public transport and is generally slightly cheaper than the tube. It's also a fun way to see the city (and who doesn't want to ride on one of the red double decker buses!). That being said, traffic in London is notoriously bad and the bus will generally take much longer than the tube.

3. Black Cab: These drivers know every street in London like the back of their hand. They are required to take a test called "The Knowledge" in order to demonstrate their mastery of London streets. Don't forget to use your manners when hailing them down! They are not required to accept you as a passenger so it is always polite to ask them if they will take you to your desired destination.

4. City Mapper: I highly recommend downloading this app before your trip. Even locals use this app to figure out the best transportation option for wherever you're trying to get to.

Markets

I am a huge fan of outdoor markets and cannot recommend them enough. I've organized them by category but I've also marked my favorites with an asterisks if you're pressed for time.

Food Markets

1. Borough Market*

• Borough Market is one of my favorite spots in London. This probably comes as a surprise to no one given my passion for food, but even if you're not a foodie, it's a great spot to stop for lunch and close to other major attractions such as the Tower of London, Tate Modern and Globe Theater.

Getting There:

• Closest Tube Station: London Bridge

• Closest Underground Lines: Jubilee and Northern

• Website: http://boroughmarket.org.uk/

The following are a few of my favorites (in no particular order) that have kept me coming back for the last 11 years:

• The Colombian Coffee Company: Get the barraquito. It layers espresso with condensed milk, cinnamon, and a peel of lemon. Trust me, it's delicious. Look like an insider by asking for it served in their reusable porcelain cups! Sip while you tour the rest of the market and simply return it when you're done. Located on the Cathedral St. and Bedale St. side of the market.

• Greedy Goat: Ice cream made from goat's milk. Any flavor here is to die for. Get it in the charcoal cone for an extra treat. Located right next to the Colombian Coffee Stand.

• Eat Chay: This was my first time eating bao buns and I am in love. This vendor is in the same vicinity as the goat ice cream and coffee stand and these buns are to die for. They offer seitan buns in addition to their meat buns so they're vegetarian friendly. I recommend getting one from here and then continuing to explore (and eat) your way throughout the rest of the market.

• Borough Cheese Company: Located in the middle of the market, this is the best place to get Comte and Gouda cheese. Not convinced? Try a free sample! You'll find yourself taking two slabs home, one for now, and one vacuum sealed for later.

• Olivier's Bakery: There are two bread stands near the Borough Cheese Company. The one you're looking for is near the spice shop. Get one (or two) of their olive-cheese bread sticks to go with your Comte later. In fact, once you try a bite, you might decide you need to buy another! Which works out as they're normally 2 for 5 pounds.

• Spice Mountain: Even if you're not into cooking, this is a fun place to walk around and take in all the different scents and flavors. I like to stock up on Maldon sea salt when I'm here as it's much cheaper than buying it in the U.S. Located next to the olive and cheese bread sticks.

• Kappacasein: AKA, The Best Grilled Cheese You'll Have In Your Life. There was a time a few years back where I thought this grilled cheese stand had left the market. I was nearly heartbroken. But never fear! It simply moved to the other side of the market. They heat a wheel of cheese over the griddle and scrap it off onto your sandwich where it's melted with shredded cheddar and onions (if you want) on two slices of thick sourdough bread. Located on the Stoney Street side of the market.

• Porteña: These Argentinian empanadas are served warm and pair great with a glass of red wine (available at the same trader). They generally have a special on empanadas and drinks. Located across from the Grilled Cheese stand.

• Richard Haward’s Oysters: It's never too early for prosecco and oysters. Well, if you're my dad it's not. He likes to start his Saturday mornings with a plate of oysters washed down with prosecco. Now that's what I call the breakfast of champions.

• Monmouth Coffee Company: Don't feel like waiting in line for a latte? Purchase some of their coffee beans and you'll jump right to the front of the queue. You'll get your latte, coffee to bring home, and more time to explore the market. Located on the same side of the street as the grilled cheese stand.

• Ginger Pig: This is my family's go to for free range meat. Love to cook? This is the place to pick out tonight's dinner! Located across from Monmouth Coffee.

• Utobeer: This is a great place to pop in and try a new and different beer. They have a great variety and are more than willing to help you pick out a new favorite!

Having trouble finding one of the traders? Search for them on the Borough Website and click on the option to view their stall on the map.

2. Maltby Market

• Still not satiated by all that's on offer at the Borough? Never fear! Pop over to Maltby Market (about a 10 minute walk from the Borough Market) and you can continue to eat your way through London. Or simply walk through here and indulge in some adult beverages. With two gin distilleries and a brewery, you have plenty to choose from.

Getting There:

• Closest Tube Station: London Bridge, Bermondsey, Borough.

• Option to walk from Borough Market.

• Website: http://www.maltby.st/

The following are a few of my Maltby favorites:

Little Bird Gin:

• For a pretty & pink cocktail, I recommend the "I Need A Rh'uber." Made with Little Bird gin, house made rhubarb syrup, lemon and soda, this is a refreshing cocktail perfect for summer weather.

• Fancy something a bit stronger? One of my favorite cocktails here is "Dad's Drink." Made with tea and gin syrup, bourbon, lemon, ginger ale and an orange wedge, this is a great twist on a gin cocktail.

Jensen's Gin:

• Jensen's Gin is the place to go for a classic gin & tonic. With high quality fever tree tonic water and a variety of gins paired with rosemary and citrus fruits, Jensen's is the place if you're craving a unique take on a classic English drink.

Hiver Beer:

• Hiver Beer definitely ranks as one of my favorite beers - I love the notes of honey! My favorite of theirs is the Honey Blonde but they also have a good IPA.

Other Markets

1. Portobello Market*

• Portobello Market is one of my favorite spots for all things antique, vintage and bric-a-brac. While they also have food vendors, the draw for me is definitely the vintage stalls. There's something about a sea of Wedgewood bowls, tweed jackets, and old film cameras that makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Not all vendors are there every day so be sure to check the schedule before going. I recommend spending a Saturday morning here and getting there early to beat the crowds.

Getting There

• Closest Tube Stations: Notting Hill Gate (enter on the south side of the market - accessible via the central or circle line) or Ladbrook Grove (enter on the north side of the market - accessible via the hammersmith and city line).

• For more transport info, see here.

• Website: http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/

2. Camden Market

• Camden is home to Amy Winehouse and the punks of London. Take a walk on the high street and you'll find a plethora of tattoo and piercing shops, people with mohawks and green hair, and various tourist shops and shoe stores. Continue on to the stalls of Camden Market and you'll find a mix of food stalls and unique vendors with clothes, notebooks, bags, and lights to name a few. You will also find a statue of Amy Winehouse.

Getting There

• Closest Tube Station: Camden

• Website: https://www.camdenmarket.com/

Royal Palaces

1. Tower of London*

• Royal palace, secure fortress, infamous prison and the home of the crown jewels. The Tower of London has a long and fascinating history. Take advantage of the free tours offered by the Yeoman Warders and get the inside scoop on what it's like living in a royal palace in the modern age. Read up on more information here.

Getting There

• Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill

• Website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.3rn0jq

2. Buckingham Palace*

• I highly recommend touring the State Rooms at Buckingham palace, the official London residence of the Queen. It is only available to tour for 10 weeks in the summer from July 20th to September 29th and during select days in the winter and spring so I recommend checking out their website before going. Even if the palace is closed to tours, you can still check out the changing of the guards which takes place out front.

Getting There

• Closest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner or Green Park. If you're not opposed to a walking, I recommend getting off at Westminster and walking through St. James Park to the Palace.

Museums

1. National Portrait Gallery*

• This is my favorite art museum in London. Admission is free so even if you only have 20 minutes, it's worth it to stop in and see the impressionist exhibit.

2. The Imperial War Museum

• This is a heavy museum to tour but it's incredibly interesting and I highly recommend it.

3. Tate Modern

• A must see for any modern art lovers. Check out their website to see the latest exhibits on display.

Favorite Parks

1. Regents Park

• Check out the Queen Mary's Gardens. Enter near Primrose park and you may just hear the lions in the London Zoo!

2. Hampstead Heath

• Walk from the high street to Hampstead Heath and stop at the Wells Tavern for lunch on your way into the Heath (just a short walk from one of the many entrances).

My Ideal Day

Finally, I'll leave you with a brief summary of my "ideal day" in London. Start your morning at the Tower of London and take a (free!) tour with one of the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters. The Beefeater tours are entertaining and informative and I highly recommend waiting for the next available tour. Please note: the beefeaters are not simply tour guides and their "outfits" are a uniform, not a costume! Being a Beefeater is a huge honor. In fact, according to Londonist, "in order to qualify as a Yeoman Warder, you must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces, be former warrant officer or senior non-commissioned, [and] hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal."

Next, walk about 10 minutes to nearby Borough Market for a bite to eat. You'll have a huge variety to choose from with a plethora of nationalities represented. Once you're done at the market, walk off some of the delicacies you just consumed and stroll along the Thames and explore Southbank. Stop at the Tate Modern for a taste of modern art or tour Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and see a play! (Groundling tickets are cheap and by far the best tickets in the house but be aware, you will be standing for the duration of the show). That's it for now and hope you enjoy your trip!